TWI584086B - Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a latching mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Replaceable unit for an electronic imaging imaging device having a latching mechanism

The present invention is generally directed to an imaging device and, more particularly, to a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device having a latch mechanism.

In order to reduce the premature replacement of components conventionally mounted in toner cartridges for image forming devices, toner cartridge manufacturers have begun to separate components having a longer life from components having a shorter lifetime into separate replacements. unit. The relatively long life component is positioned in a replaceable unit (imaging unit). The toner supply of the image forming apparatus, which is generally consumed relatively quickly as compared with the components housed in the image forming unit, is disposed in a separate replaceable unit in the form of a toner crucible that feeds the toner to the image forming unit. In the reservoir. In this configuration, the number of components contained in the toner cartridge is reduced compared to the conventional toner cartridge.

It is important that the toner 精确 is precisely aligned within the imaging device. If the toner 匣 is misaligned, the exit 埠 on the toner 埠 may not be sealed with the toner received from the toner ,, which may cause serious toner leakage which may cause mechanical and print quality defects. Further, if the toner 匣 is misaligned, the drive gear on the toner cartridge may fail to achieve engagement with the appropriate gear of the corresponding drive gear in the image forming apparatus, possibly resulting in a gear cogging effect. The toner crucible must also be kept strictly in place after it is placed in the image forming apparatus to prevent the alignment of the toner crucible from being disturbed during operation. The stringent requirements for position control must be balanced with the need to permit the user to easily load and unload the toner cartridge to the imaging device. Thereby It is to be understood that precise alignment of the crucible is required and that it is relatively simple to insert and remove into the imaging device.

A replaceable unit for an electronic imaging imaging device according to an example embodiment includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the elongated body. The elongated body further includes a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. The elongated body has a reservoir for holding the toner. A drive element on the rear portion of the elongated body remains clear to receive rotational power when the replaceable unit is mounted in the imaging device. An electrical contact on the rear portion of the elongated body remains unobstructed to contact a corresponding electrical contact when the replaceable unit is mounted in the imaging device. The drive element and the electrical contact are positioned to receive a biasing force in a direction of advancement of one of the front sides along the longitudinal dimension. A latching latch on the first side of the elongated body is positioned to receive a corresponding latch when the replaceable unit is mounted in the imaging device to prevent the elongated body from being in the forward direction along the longitudinal dimension Move on. One of the front latch actuators of the elongated body is moveable relative to the elongate body between an original position and a released position. One of the front portions of the elongate body releases a release handle for unobstructed for user engagement and is operatively coupled to the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator to be from the home position Moving to the release position, the elongated body is unwound from the imaging device.

According to another example embodiment, an alternative unit for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the elongated body. The elongated body further includes a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. The elongated body has a reservoir for holding the toner. The front portion of the elongated body includes a front end wall of the elongated body and an end cap fitted to the front end of the front end wall. A latching latch on the first side of the elongated body is positioned to receive a corresponding latch when the replaceable unit is mounted in the imaging device to prevent the elongated body from being oriented along the longitudinal dimension One of the front sides moves in the forward direction. a latch release mechanism includes a one positioned between the front end wall and the end cap Latch actuator. The latch actuator has an actuating foot extending therefrom. The latch actuator and the actuating leg are movable relative to the front end wall and the end cap between a home position and a release position and are offset toward the home position. The latch release mechanism includes a release handle that is engageable from a front side of the end cap for user engagement. The release handle is operatively coupled to the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator and the actuating leg to move from the home position to the release position to permit actuation of the foot The corresponding latch of the imaging device is contacted to disengage the elongated body from the imaging device.

20‧‧‧ imaging system

30‧‧‧ computer

32‧‧‧ memory

34‧‧‧ Input device

36‧‧‧Display monitor

38‧‧‧ imaging driver

40‧‧‧Communication link

100‧‧‧ imaging device

100'‧‧‧ imaging device

102‧‧‧ Controller

103‧‧‧ memory

104‧‧‧User interface

110‧‧‧Printing engine

112‧‧‧Laser Scanning Unit (LSU)

120‧‧‧Fuser

121‧‧‧Processing Circuit System

122‧‧‧Fused reel or belt

124‧‧‧Clamping point

126‧‧‧Exit reel

128‧‧‧Output area

130‧‧‧Media Feeding System

132‧‧‧ Grab mechanism

134‧‧ ‧ reel

136‧‧‧ pivotable arm

138‧‧‧Manual feed

139‧‧ ‧ reel

140‧‧‧Media input tray

150‧‧‧Scanner system

160‧‧‧Communication link

161‧‧‧Communication link

162‧‧‧Communication links

163‧‧‧Communication link

164‧‧‧Communication link

165‧‧‧Communication link

166‧‧‧Communication link

170‧‧‧ Shell

171‧‧‧Top of the casing

172‧‧‧Bottom of the casing

173‧‧‧ front of the casing

174‧‧‧The rear of the casing

180‧‧‧Media path

181‧‧‧ Simplex path

182‧‧‧Duplex path

190‧‧Intermediate Transfer Agency (ITM)

192‧‧‧ drive reel

194‧‧‧Drawing reel

196‧‧‧ spare reel

197‧‧‧First transfer nip point

198‧‧‧Second transfer nip point

199‧‧‧Transfer reel

200‧‧‧Toner bottle or bowl

201‧‧‧Processing Circuit System

202‧‧‧Storage

203‧‧‧Slim body

204‧‧‧ cylindrical wall

204a‧‧‧ top

204b‧‧‧ bottom

204c‧‧‧ side

204d‧‧‧ side

205‧‧‧ vertical dimension

206‧‧‧End wall

207‧‧‧End wall

208‧‧‧ front end

210‧‧‧ Backend

212‧‧‧End cap

212a‧‧‧External end cap

212b‧‧‧Internal end cap

213‧‧‧End cap

214‧‧‧Exports

216‧‧‧ drive components

218‧‧ ‧ shutter

222‧‧‧ stretching spring

224‧‧‧Electrical contacts

226‧‧‧Printed circuit board

228‧‧‧ positioning wing

228a‧‧‧wing members

228b‧‧‧wing members

228c‧‧‧ incision

230‧‧‧ positioning wing

232‧‧‧Latch lock

234‧‧‧ front end surface

240‧‧‧Complementary keying structure

242‧‧‧ ribs

250‧‧‧ release agency

252‧‧‧Latch actuator

254‧‧‧ edge

255‧‧‧ incision

256‧‧‧ rear side

258‧‧‧ guiding slot

260‧‧‧ Guide column

262‧‧‧ release handle

264‧‧‧ front side of the latch actuator

266‧‧‧slit

268‧‧‧ front side

270‧‧‧ actuation feet

271‧‧‧ wedge-shaped lead-in

272‧‧‧ facing contact surface

274‧‧‧Cantilever

276‧‧‧ ribs

278‧‧‧The front of the end cap

300‧‧‧ imaging unit

300'‧‧‧ imaging unit

301‧‧‧Processing Circuit System

302‧‧‧Storage

302'‧‧‧Storage

304‧‧‧Toner Adder Reel

306‧‧‧Reel drum

306'‧‧‧Magnetic reel

308‧‧‧Charging reel

310‧‧‧Photosensitive (PC) drum

310'‧‧‧Photosensitive drum

400‧‧‧Tray

402‧‧‧匣 Storage area

404‧‧‧ top surface

406‧‧‧ vertical dimension

408‧‧‧ front end

410‧‧‧ Backend

412‧‧‧Drive components

414‧‧‧Electrical contacts

415‧‧‧ stretching spring

416‧‧‧Toner inlet埠

417‧‧ ‧ visor

418‧‧‧ loading rail

419a‧‧‧Top rail surface

419b‧‧‧External side limiter

420‧‧‧ loading rail

421a‧‧‧Top rail surface

421b‧‧‧External side limiter

422‧‧‧ pinning point

423‧‧‧Bottom contact surface

424‧‧‧stops

426‧‧‧Keying structure

428‧‧‧ slots

430‧‧‧Latch

432‧‧‧ channel

434‧‧‧Fin

434a‧‧‧Front cam surface/front surface

434b‧‧‧Latch surface

436‧‧‧ Arm

437‧‧‧ wedge-shaped lead-in

438‧‧‧The distal end of the latch

440‧‧‧ guiding slot

442‧‧‧U-shaped groove

444‧‧‧ cylindrical pivot

446‧‧‧ proximal end of the latch

448‧‧‧Cantilever spring

450‧‧‧fasteners

1250‧‧‧ release agency

1252‧‧‧Latch actuator

1253‧‧‧ ribs

1254‧‧‧ edge

1255‧‧‧ gap

1256‧‧‧The rear side of the inner end cap

1257‧‧‧The rear side of the outer end cap

1258‧‧‧ guiding slot

1259‧‧‧Flange

1259a‧‧‧Keyed ribs

1260‧‧‧ Guide column

1262‧‧‧ release handle

1263‧‧‧ pivot hole

1264‧‧‧ pivoting column

1265‧‧‧ Front side of the latch actuator

1266‧‧‧ slots

1268‧‧‧ front side of the outer end cap

1270‧‧‧ actuation feet

1272‧‧‧ facing contact surface

1274‧‧‧Cantilever bias arm

1276‧‧‧ sector gear

1278‧‧‧The back side of the handle

1280‧‧‧ gear teeth

1282‧‧‧ slots

2250‧‧‧ release agency

2252‧‧‧Latch actuator

2254‧‧‧ ribs

2256‧‧‧The back side of the end cap

2258‧‧‧ guiding slot

2260‧‧‧ Guide column

2262‧‧‧ release disk

2264‧‧‧ front side of the end cap

2266‧‧‧User release handle

2268‧‧‧ Gears

2270‧‧‧ side edge

2272‧‧‧ Gear rack

2274‧‧‧Activity feet

2276‧‧‧ facing contact surface

2278‧‧‧ gap

2280‧‧‧ stretching spring

P1‧‧‧ fixed point

P2‧‧‧ pivot axis

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in the claims

1 is a block diagram depiction of an imaging system in accordance with an example embodiment.

2 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to a specific example of the first example.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to a specific example of the second example.

4 is a perspective view of four toner cartridges positioned in four corresponding trays, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the trays shown in Figure 4 with the corresponding toner removed.

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of one of the toner cartridges shown in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in Figures 6 and 7.

9 is a front elevational view of a toner cartridge in the case where the end cap is removed and installed in a tray, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge constrained in a tray by a latch, according to an example embodiment.

11 is a tray showing a pivot point of the latch of FIG. 10, according to an example embodiment. A bottom perspective view of the interior of the channel.

12 is a front perspective view of a fixed spoon tray in accordance with an example embodiment in which the end cap is removed to reveal the distal end of the latch that is exposed to receive the actuation force.

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the toner cartridge of the latch release mechanism according to the first example embodiment.

14 is a front perspective view of a latch actuator coupled to an end cap of a toner cartridge, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the latch actuator of Figure 14 coupled to the end cap.

16 to 20 are sequential views illustrating the insertion of the toner cartridge into the tray and the removal from the tray, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 21 is an exploded view showing the toner cartridge of the latch release mechanism according to the second example embodiment.

Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of the toner cartridge having the latch release mechanism shown in Figure 21 .

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the latch release mechanism of Figure 21 in its home position.

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the latch release mechanism of Figure 21 in a released position.

Figure 25 is a front elevational view of a toner cartridge having a latch release mechanism according to a third example embodiment.

Figure 26 is a rear elevational view of the toner cartridge with the latch release mechanism shown in Figure 25.

In the following description, the drawings are referred to as references, and like numerals indicate like elements. The specific embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is understood that other specific examples may be utilized and that process, electrical and mechanical changes and the like may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The examples only symbolize possible changes. Portions and features of some specific examples may be included or substituted for parts and features of other specific examples. Therefore, the following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, a block diagram depiction of an imaging system 20 in accordance with an example embodiment is shown. The imaging system 20 includes an imaging device 100 and a computer 30. The imaging device 100 communicates with the computer 30 via the communication link 40. As used herein, the term "communication junction" generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components, and may operate using wired or wireless technologies and may include communication via the Internet.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 is a multi-function machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one (AIO) device) that includes a controller 102, a print engine 110, and a mine. Shot scanning unit (LSU) 112, one or more toner bottles or cartridges 200, one or more imaging units 300, fuser 120, user interface 104, media feed system 130 and media input tray 140, and scanner system 150. Imaging device 100 can communicate with computer 30 via standard communication protocols such as, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, or IEEE 802.xx. For example, imaging device 100 can be an electrophotographic printer/photocopier including integrated scanner system 150 or a separate electrophotographic printer.

The controller 102 includes a processor unit and associated memory 103 and may be formed as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 103 can be any volatile or non-volatile memory or a combination thereof, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/or non-volatile RAM. (NVRAM). Alternatively, memory 103 can be in the form of a separate electronic memory (eg, RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard disk drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory device that facilitates use by controller 102. For example, controller 102 can be a combined printer and scanner controller.

In the illustrated example embodiment, controller 102 communicates with print engine 110 via communication link 160. Controller 102 communicates with imaging unit 300 and processing circuitry 301 on each imaging unit 300 via communication link 161. Controller 102 communicates with toner cartridge 200 and processing circuitry 201 on each toner cartridge 200 via communication link 162. The controller 102 communicates with the fuser 120 and the processing circuitry 121 on the fuser via the communication link 163. letter. Controller 102 communicates with media feed system 130 via communication link 164. Controller 102 communicates with scanner system 150 via communication link 165. User interface 104 is communicatively coupled to controller 102 via communication link 166. The processing circuitry 121, 201, 301 can include a processor and associated memory, such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, and can provide authentication functions for the fuser 120, the toner cartridge 200, and the imaging unit 300, respectively. Safety and operation interlocks, operating parameters and usage information. Controller 102 processes the print and scan data and operates print engine 110 during printing and operates scanner system 150 during the scan.

The computer 30, which may be selected, for example, as a personal computer, includes a memory 32 such as RAM, ROM and/or NVRAM, an input device 34 such as a keyboard and/or mouse, and a display monitor 36. The computer 30 also includes a processor and a plurality of input/output (I/O) interfaces. And may include at least a large capacity data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM, and/or a DVD unit (not shown). The computer 30 can also be a device that can communicate with an imaging device 100 (eg, a tablet, a smart phone, or other electronic device) other than a personal computer.

In the illustrated example embodiment, computer 30 includes a software program in its memory that includes program instructions that function as imaging driver 38 for imaging device 100, such as printer/scanner driver software. The imaging driver 38 communicates with the controller 102 of the imaging device 100 via the communication link 40. The imaging driver 38 facilitates communication between the imaging device 100 and the computer 30. For example, one aspect of imaging driver 38 may be to provide formatted printed material to imaging device 100, and more particularly to print engine 110, for printing images. For example, another aspect of imaging driver 38 may facilitate the collection of scanned material from scanner system 150.

In some cases, it may be desirable to operate the imaging device 100 in a separate mode. In the separate mode, the imaging device 100 can function without the computer 30. Thus, all or a portion of the imaging driver 38 or similar driver can be located in the controller 102 of the imaging device 100 to adjust the printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in a separate mode.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the interior of an example imaging device 100. For the sake of clarity, only one of the components of imaging unit 300 is labeled in FIG. The imaging device 100 includes a housing 170 having a top portion 171, a bottom portion 172, a front portion 173, and a rear portion 174. The outer casing 170 includes one or more media input trays 140 positioned therein. The tray 140 is sized to contain a stack of media sheets. As used herein, the term media is intended to encompass not only paper, but also labels, envelopes, fabrics, photographic paper or any other desired substrate. The tray 140 is preferably removable for refilling. The user interface 104 is positioned on the housing 170 via the display. Using the user interface 104, the user can type commands and typically control the operation of the imaging device 100. For example, the user can type a command to switch modes (eg, color mode, monochrome mode), view the number of pages printed, and the like. The media path 180 extends through the imaging device 100 for moving the media sheet during image transfer. Media path 180 includes a simplex path 181 and may include a duplex path 182. The media sheets are introduced into the simplex path 181 from the tray 140 by the gripping mechanism 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the grasping mechanism 132 includes a spool 134 positioned at the end of the pivotable arm 136. The spool 134 rotates to move the media sheet from the tray 140 and into the media path 180. The media sheets are then moved along the media path 180 by various transport rollers. The media sheets can also be introduced into the media path 180 by a manual feed 138 having one or more reels 139.

In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging device 100 includes four toner cartridges 200 that are removably assembled in the housing 170, and the toner cartridges are also removably assembled in the housing 170. The four corresponding imaging units 300 are in a matching relationship. Each of the toner cartridges 200 includes a reservoir 202 for fixing toner, and an outlet port 埠 connected to one of the inlets of the corresponding image forming unit 300 of the toner cartridge for use of the toner from the reservoir 202 Transfer to imaging unit 300. The toner is periodically transferred from the respective toner cartridges 200 to its corresponding imaging unit 300 to supplement the imaging unit 300. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the toners 200 is substantially identical except that the color of the toner contained therein is different. In one embodiment, the four toner cartridges 200 include yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toners. Each imaging unit 300 includes a toner reservoir The reservoir 302 and the toner applicator reel 304 that moves the toner from the reservoir 302 to the developer reel 306. Each imaging unit 300 also includes a charging reel 308 and a light guide (PC) drum 310. When the imaging unit 300 is mounted in the imaging device 100, the PC drums 310 are substantially assembled in parallel with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each imaging unit 300 is substantially identical except that the color of the toner contained therein is different.

Each charging reel 308 forms a nip with the corresponding PC drum 310. During the printing operation, the charging reel 308 charges the surface of the PC drum 310 to a prescribed voltage of, for example, -1000 volts. The laser beam from the LSU 112 is then directed to the surface of the PC drum 310 and selectively contacts the area it contacts to form a latent image. In one embodiment, the area of the PC drum 310 that is illuminated by the laser beam is discharged to approximately -300 volts. The developer roll 306 that forms a nip point with the corresponding PC drum 310 is then transferred to the PC drum 310 to form a toner image on the PC drum 310. A metering device such as a doctor blade assembly can be used to meter the toner onto the developer roll 306 and apply the desired charge on the toner before the toner is transferred to the PC drum 310. The toner is attracted to the surface area of the PC drum 310 discharged by the laser beam from the LSU 112.

An intermediate transfer mechanism (ITM) 190 is disposed adjacent to the PC drums 310. In this particular example, the ITM 190 is formed as an annulus that is dragged around the drive reel 192, the stretch tensioning reel 194, and the backup reel 196. During the imaging operation, the ITM 190 moves through the PC drum 310 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. One or more of the PC drums 310 apply toner images to the ITM 190 in their respective colors at the first transfer nip point 197. In one particular embodiment, the positive voltage field draws toner images from the PC drum 310 to the surface of the moving ITM 190. The ITM 190 rotates and collects the one or more toner images from the PC drum 310, and then at a second transfer nip point 198 formed between the transfer reel 199 and the ITM 190 supported by the backup reel 196. The toner images are transferred to the media sheet.

The media sheet advancing through the simplex path 181 receives the toner image from the ITM 190 as it moves through the second transfer nip 198. a media sheet having a toner image is then Moving along the media path 180 into the fuser 120. The fuser 120 includes a fused roll or strip 122 that forms a nip point 124 to adhere the toner image to the media sheet. The fused media sheet then passes through the exit spool 126 located downstream of the fuser 120. The exit spool 126 can be rotated forward or reverse. In the forward direction, the exit spool 126 moves the media sheet from the simplex path 181 to the output region 128 on the top 171 of the imaging device 100. In the reverse direction, the exit spool 126 moves the media sheet into the duplex path 182 for forming an image on the second side of the media sheet.

Figure 3 illustrates an example embodiment utilizing an imaging device 100', commonly referred to as a two-component developer system. In this particular embodiment, imaging device 100' includes four toner cartridges 200 that are removably assembled in housing 170 and that are mated with four corresponding imaging units 300'. The toner is periodically transferred from the reservoir 202 of each toner cartridge 200 to the corresponding reservoir 302' of the imaging unit 300'. The toner in the reservoirs 302' is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymeric film to provide triboelectric charging properties to attract toner to the carrier beads as they are mixed with the magnetic carrier beads in the reservoir 302'. In this particular embodiment, each imaging unit 300' includes a magnetic reel 306' that attracts magnetic carrier beads having toner thereon to a magnetic reel 306' via a magnetic field and delivers the toner to Corresponding to the photoconductor drum 310'. The electrostatic force from the latent image on the photoconductor drum 310' strips the toner from the magnetic carrier beads to provide a harmonic image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 310'. As discussed above, the harmonic image is then transferred to the ITM 190 at the first transfer nip point 197.

Although the example image forming apparatus 100 and 100' illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate four toner cartridges 200 and four corresponding image forming units 300, 300', it is to be understood that a plurality of toner cartridges 200 may be included. The monochrome imaging device 100 or 100' may include a single toner cartridge 200 and a corresponding imaging unit 300 or 300' as compared to the color imaging device 100 or 100' of the imaging unit 300, 300'. Moreover, while the imaging devices 100 and 100' utilize the ITM 190 to transfer toner to the media, as is known in the art, the toner can be directly applied to the media by one or more photoconductor drums 310, 310' . In addition, the toner may be directly transferred from each of the toner cartridges 200 to its corresponding image forming unit 300 or 300', or color The agent may pass through an intermediate component, such as a chute, tubing or feed bin that connects the toner cartridge 200 to its corresponding imaging unit 300 or 300'.

Referring to Figure 4, four toner cartridges 200 are shown positioned in four corresponding trays 400 in an imaging device 100, 100' according to an example embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 400 is formed from integral components; however, the tray 400 can be formed from discrete components that are assembled together as desired. The tray 400 is mounted in the housing 170 of the imaging device 100, 100' in a rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical position of the tray 400 and the toner cartridge 200 is changed; however, the positioning of the jaws 200 relative to each other is a matter of design choice. Each toner cartridge 200 can be independently inserted into and removed from its corresponding tray 400 to permit the user to individually remove each toner cartridge 200 when it runs out of available toner and Replace each toner 匣.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of one of the trays 400 in which the corresponding toner cartridge 200 has been removed. The tray 400 includes a storage area 402 that is sized and shaped to hold the corresponding toner cartridge 200. The helium storage region 402 is defined by a top surface 404 that generally conforms to the shape of the exterior of the lower portion of the toner cartridge 200 including the bottom and sides of the toner cartridge 200. The 匣 storage area 402 extends along the longitudinal dimension 406 and opens at the front end 408 to permit insertion of the corresponding 匣 200 into the 匣 storage area 402 and removal of the corresponding 匣 200 from the 匣 storage area 402. After opening one or more of the access doors or panels on the outer casing 170 of the imaging device 100, 100', the front end 408 is accessible by the user. The rear end 410 of the helium storage region 402 includes other forms of drive elements 412, such as gears or drive couplers, that are positioned to engage corresponding drive elements on the toner cartridge 200 to provide rotational power to the toner cartridge 200. A rotating assembly, such as a toner agitator in reservoir 202. The back end 410 also includes an electrical contact corresponding to the toner cartridge 200 to facilitate communication of a communication link 162 between the processing circuitry 201 on the toner cartridge 200 and the controller 102 of the imaging device 100, 100'. Or a plurality of electrical contacts 414. The toner inlet port 416 is positioned adjacent the rear end 410 of the helium storage region 402 for positioning. The inlet port 416 is positioned to receive the toner from the corresponding outlet port of the toner cartridge 200. Entrance 埠 416 It is an assembly of imaging units 300, 300', or an intermediate component that permits toner flow from toner cartridge 200 to its corresponding imaging unit 300, 300', such as a chute, pipe or hopper. In one embodiment, the visor 417 is positioned above the inlet pocket 416 and slidably movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the visor 417 permits toner to flow into the inlet pocket 416. In the closed position, the visor 417 blocks the inlet pocket 416 to prevent toner from leaking out of the inlet pocket 416 when the toner cartridge 200 is not in the tray 400. The visor 417 is offset toward the closed position by, for example, one or more tension springs 415, thereby occluding the inlet pocket 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the visor 417 slides toward the front end 408 as the visor 417 moves from the open position to the closed position and slides toward the rear end 410 as the visor 417 moves from the closed position to the open position .

The tray 400 includes alignment points for positioning the toner cartridge 200 relative to the drive member 412, the electrical contacts 414, and the inlet port 416. The tray includes a pair of loading rails 418, 420 (Fig. 9) extending between the front end 408 and the rear end 410 along a longitudinal dimension 406 of the helium storage region 402. Loading rails 418, 420 are positioned at opposite sides of the crucible storage region 402 to engage opposite sides of the toner cartridge 200 mounted in the crucible storage region. Each loading rail 418, 420 includes a top rail surface 419a, 421a (Fig. 9) on which the positioning ribs of the toner cartridge 200 can rest. Each loading rail 418, 420 also includes external side limiters 419b, 421b (Fig. 9) that limit side-to-side movement of the toner cartridge 200 in the helium storage region 402. One or more pinch points 422 are separated above each of the loading rails 418, 420. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each loading rail 418, 420 includes a pair of pinch points 422, a first pinch point 422 immediately adjacent the front end 408 and a second pinch immediately adjacent the rear end 410 Point 422. Each pinch point 422 includes a bottom contact surface 423 that is positioned to act to prevent the toner cartridge 200 from rising beyond the upper limiter of the cartridge storage region 402. Each loading rail 418, 420 is flared at the front end 408 to permit insertion and removal of the toner cartridge 200 at the front end 408. A stop 424 is positioned at the rear end 410 of each loading rail 418, 420 to prevent excessive insertion of the toner cartridge 200 into the tray 400. In the illustrated embodiment, each stop 424 includes a generally vertical wall that extends upwardly at the rear end 410 of the loading rails 418, 420.

The tray 400 may also include a keying structure 426 that prevents the wrong toner cartridge 200 from being inserted into the tray 400. For example, in the case where each of the toner cartridges 200 provides a toner of a different color, for example, in the case of using a toner cartridge having black, cyan, yellow, and magenta toners, the keying structure 426 is protected. Each toner 匣 200 is prevented from being inserted into the tray 400 corresponding to any other color. For example, the keying structure 426 can prevent the toner cartridge 200 containing black, yellow, or magenta toner from being positioned in the tray 400 for cyan toner. In the illustrated embodiment, the keying structure 426 includes a notch or slot 428 along the longitudinal dimension 406 in the top surface 404 at the front end 408 of the tray 400 that is positioned to receive the toner 匣 200 Corresponding to the keying structure. The position of the slot 428 is changed for each tray 400 to prevent the toner cartridge 200 from being inserted into the tray 400 unless the keying structure of the toner cartridge matches the keying structure 426 of the tray 400.

The tray 400 also includes a latch 430 that holds the toner cartridge 200 in its final operational position in the tray 400, as discussed in greater detail below. The latch 430 is positioned in a channel 432 that extends under the loading rail 418 along the longitudinal dimension 406 from the front end 408 toward the rear end 410. The latch 430 includes, for example, an engagement point of the fin 434 that is spaced inwardly from the front end 408 and projects upwardly through the top rail surface 419a at an appropriate position to contact the toner when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the tray 400. 200. The latch 430 also includes an engagement point, such as arm 436, at the distal end 438 of the latch 430 that is exposed at the front end 408 of the tray 400.

6 through 8 show a toner cartridge 200 in accordance with an example embodiment. The toner cartridge 200 includes an elongated body 203 that includes a plurality of walls that form a toner reservoir 202 (Figs. 2 and 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated body 203 includes a generally cylindrical wall 204 extending along the longitudinal dimension 205, and a pair of ends defining a front end 208 and a rear end 210 of the toner cartridge 200, respectively. Walls 206, 207. The wall 204 includes a top portion 204a, a bottom portion 204b, and sides 204c, 204d. In the illustrated embodiment, the end caps 212, 213 are respectively assembled to the end walls 206, 207 by suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, etc.) or by snap fit engagement. The outlet weir 214 is positioned on the bottom surface 204b of the elongated body 203 adjacent the end wall 207. Toner regularly The reservoir 202 is passed through the outlet port 214 to the inlet port 416 to refill the reservoir 302 of the imaging unit 300, 300' as the toner is consumed by the printing process. The toner cartridge 200 includes one or more agitators (eg, paddles, augers, etc.) to agitate the toner within the reservoir 202 and move it toward the outlet port 214. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive element 216, such as a gear or other form of drive coupling, is positioned on an outer surface of the end wall 207. The drive element 216 is positioned to engage the corresponding drive element 412 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the tray 400 to receive rotational power to drive the agitator in the reservoir 202. The agitator in reservoir 202 can be coupled to drive element 216 either directly or through one or more intermediate gears.

In one embodiment, the visor 218 is positioned at the bottom 204b of the elongated body 203 and slidably movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the visor 218 permits toner to flow from the outlet port 214 of the toner cartridge 200. In the closed position, the visor 218 blocks the exit port 214 to prevent toner from escaping the crucible 200. The visor 218 is offset toward the closed position of the occlusion outlet 214. For example, one or more tension springs 222 can bias the visor 218 toward a closed position as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the visor 218 slides toward the front end 208 as the visor 218 moves from the closed position to the open position and slides toward the rear end 210 as the visor 218 moves from the open position to the closed position .

The toner cartridge 200 also includes one or more electrical contacts 224 positioned on the outer surface of the end wall 207. Electrical contacts 224 are generally positioned orthogonal to longitudinal dimension 205. In one embodiment, electrical contacts 224 are positioned on printed circuit board 226 that also includes processing circuitry 201. The processing circuitry 201 can provide authentication functions, security and operational interlocks, operational parameters, and usage information regarding the toner cartridge 200. The electrical contacts 224 are positioned to contact the corresponding electrical contacts 414 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the tray 400 to facilitate communication connection 162 with the controller 102.

The toner cartridge 200 also includes positioning wings 228, 230 on each side 204c, 204d of the wall 204. The positioning wings 228, 230 extend longitudinally between the front end 208 and the rear end 210 Dimension 205 extends. Referring to Figure 9, the toner cartridge 200 is shown below the pinch point 422 with positioning wings 228, 230 placed on the top rail surfaces 419a, 421a of the loading rails 418, 420. The loading rails 418, 420 allow the toner cartridge 200 to slide from the front end 208 into the tray 400 along the longitudinal dimensions 406, 205 and slide out of the tray. The pinch point 422 provides for positioning the upper limiter of the wings 228, 230 and preventing vertical movement of the toner cartridge 200 during operation in the imaging device 100, 100', and toner 匣 during transport 200 vertical shift. In this configuration, the top rail surfaces 419a, 421a and the compression features 422 limit the vertical movement of the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400. As shown in FIG. 9, the positioning wings 228, 230 are restrained in the side-to-side direction by the outer side limiters 419b, 421b to restrict side-to-side movement of the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400.

Referring back to FIGS. 6-8, in the case where the tray 400 includes a keying structure 426, such as slot 428 (FIG. 5), the toner cartridge 200 can include a complementary keying structure 240 to be included in the toner cartridge 200. The color of the toner prevents the toner cartridge 200 from being inserted into the erroneous tray 400. For example, the keying structure 240 can include ribs 242 that protrude from the wall 204 proximate the front end 208, having four locations surrounding the outer surface of the wall 204 based on the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge One of them. Therefore, if the user attempts to insert the toner cartridge 200 into the wrong tray 400, the toner cartridge 200 will not match because the keying structure 240 of the toner cartridge 200 does not match the keying structure 426 of the tray 400.

Referring to Figure 10, the toner cartridge 200 includes a latching latch 232 that receives the latch 430 of the tray 400 to prevent the toner cartridge 200 from moving in the forward direction of the front end 408 along the longitudinal dimension 205 in the tray 400 and will The toner cartridge 200 is removably fixed to the tray 400. In the illustrated embodiment, a latching latch 232 is formed on the positioning wing 228. In particular, in this particular embodiment, the positioning wings 228 include two wing members 228a, 228b that extend along the longitudinal dimension 205. In this particular embodiment, the wing member 228b is positioned forward of the wing member 228a and the slit 228c is formed along the longitudinal dimension 205 between the wing member 228a and the wing member 228b. In this particular embodiment, the latching latch 232 includes a front end surface of the wing member 228a 234, which engages the fins 434 of the latch 430 to secure the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400. It is to be understood that the positioning wings 228, 230 and the latching latches 232 can take any suitable shape to position and secure the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400 as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the wing members 228a and 228b and the positioning wings 230 are formed as ribs that protrude from the side of the wall 204. In another embodiment, the wing member 228b is omitted such that the positioning wing 228 includes only the wing member 228a. In another embodiment, the length of the wing member 228a is significantly smaller. The wing member 228a can also utilize various other shapes, such as rounded studs or curved ribs, as desired. Similarly, the positioning wings 230 can include one or more straight or curved ribs of different lengths or the same length, one or more pegs, and the like.

The latch 430 is in the latched position shown in Figure 10 (where the fin 434 is in the insertion path of the positioning wing 228 in the loading rail 418) and the unlatched position (Figs. 17 and 19) (where the fin is The object 434 pivots about the fixed pivot point P1 between the insertion path of the positioning wing 228 in the loading rail 418. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 430 pivots up and down between the latched position and the unlatched position such that the fin 434 extends upwardly in the latched position to the top rail surface 418a of the loading rail 418. . Alternatively, the latch 430 can be pivoted side to side and the fins 434 can extend in the latched position to the outer side limiter 418b. Figure 11 shows the interior of the channel 432 as seen from the latch 430. In one specific example, the channel 432 includes a U-shaped slot 442 that retains the cylindrical pivot 444 at the proximal end 446 of the latch 430. The slot 442 permits the latch 430 to pivot, but limits the movement of the pivot 444 to the front to back and side to side directions in the channel 432. Referring back to Figure 10, the latch 430 is biased toward the latched position by a biasing member such as a cantilevered spring 448. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 448 is positioned in the channel 432 and assembled to the tray 400 by fasteners 450 such as screws, rivets, and the like. Alternatively, the biasing member may comprise a compression or tension spring with one end attached to the latch 430 and the other end attached to the inner surface of the channel 432 or a torsion spring positioned about the fixed point P1. Referring to Figure 12, in one embodiment, the arm 436 of the latch 430 extends forwardly through the elongated guide slot 440, which limits the latch 430 to latch Movement between the position and the unlatched position and inhibiting the latch 430 from moving perpendicular to the guide slot 440 (i.e., the side-to-side direction in the illustrated embodiment). The arm 436 is exposed through the guide slot 440 at the front end 408 of the tray 400 to receive an actuation force to overcome the bias applied by the spring 448 to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position, from the tray 400 The toner 匣 200 is released, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring back to Figure 10, the fin 434 includes an angled or sloping front cam surface 434a. The front cam surface 434a of the fin 434 allows the positioning wing 228 to cam toward the unlatched position when the toner cartridge 200 is inserted into the tray 400 and the positioning wing 228 contacts the front surface 434a of the fin 434 The latch 430 is driven. The fin 434 also includes a rear latch surface 434b that is positioned to contact the latching latch 232 of the toner cartridge 200 to retain the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400 when the latch 430 is in the latched position in. In one particular embodiment, the rear latching surface 434b is angled rearward relative to the body of the latch 430 to bias the toner cartridge 200 as it is mounted in the tray 400 through the pivot point P1 of the latch 430. The lock pawl 232 is guided on the rear latch surface 434b. This prevents the latch 430 from unintentionally releasing the latch during extreme conditions (eg, if the imaging device 100, 100' is dropped). In another embodiment, the rear latch surface 434b is generally perpendicular to the body of the latch 430; however, in this particular embodiment, the latch 430 can tend to unlatch during extreme conditions.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the release mechanism 250 for releasing the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400. The release mechanism 250 includes a latch actuator 252 positioned between the end wall 206 and the end cap 212. 14 and 15 show front and rear views, respectively, of latch actuator 252 coupled to end cap 212, in accordance with an embodiment. The latch actuator 252 is loosely retained within the side edge 254 on the rear side 256 of the end cap 212. The latch actuator 252 includes one or more guide slots 258 that receive corresponding guide posts 260 on the rear side 256 of the nanocap 212. The guide slot 258 is elongate to permit movement of the latch actuator 252 relative to the end cap 212. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the latch actuator 252 translates up and down relative to the end cap 212; however, other directions may be used as desired. Movement (eg, rotation, translation in other directions, etc.). The height of the guide slot 258 limits the amount of movement of the latch actuator 252 relative to the end cap 212. Engagement between the guide slot 258 and the guide post 260 also prevents damage to the latch actuator 252 or end cap 212 caused by excessive force applied by the user to the latch actuator 252. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a latch actuator 252 having a guide slot 258 and an end cap 212 having a guide post 260, this configuration can be reversed as needed to cause the latch actuator 252 to include guidance The post, and the end cap 212 includes an elongated guide slot.

The release handle 262 extends through the slot 266 in the end cap 212 from the front side 264 of the latch actuator 252 such that the handle 262 is exposed on the front side 268 of the end cap 212 to permit the user to engage the handle 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 262 and slot 266 are generally horizontal; however, other configurations may be used as desired, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 266 is vertically elongated relative to the handle 262 such that the handle 262 is free to translate up and down within the slot 266 as the guide post 260 moves within the guide slot 258; however, as needed Other directions of movement.

The actuating foot 270 extends downwardly from the bottom portion of the elongated body 203 having the positioning wings 228 from the bottom portion of the latch actuator 252, approaching the loading rail 418 and the latch when the toner cartridge 200 is mounted in the tray 400 Lock 430. The actuation foot 270 includes a downwardly facing contact surface 272 that extends rearwardly toward the end wall 207. The actuation foot 270 is positioned to engage the arm 436 of the latch 430 from above to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position, thereby releasing the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400. The side edge 254 includes a slit 255 that permits the actuation leg 270 to extend beyond the side edge 254 to contact the arm 436.

The latch actuator 252 is moveable between the home position shown in Figure 15 and the release position (Figure 19). In one particular embodiment, the cantilevered biasing arm 274 of the latch actuator 252 is biased toward the original position by the latch actuator 252. The biasing arm 274 can be resiliently deflected by one of the ribs 276 or one of the side edges 254. The biasing arm 274 biases the latch actuator 252 upward relative to the end cap 212 and then biases the actuating leg 270 upward. When the user presses the release handle 262 to gram When biased by the arm 274, the rib 276 or side edge 254 deflects the biasing arm 274 and includes the latch actuator 252 that actuates the foot 270 relative to the end cap 212 and the elongated body 203 from the original The position is translated downward to the release position. When the user releases the handle 262, the bias applied by the arm 274 causes the latch actuator 252, including the actuating leg 270, to be moved back to the home position. Engagement between the guide post 260 and the guide slot 258 controls movement of the latch actuator 252 relative to the end cap 212. In other embodiments, the latch actuator 252 is biased toward the home position by one or more springs.

In one particular embodiment, the actuating leg 270 includes a wedge-shaped lead-in end 271 at the rear end of the actuating leg 270 and the arm 436 includes a wedge-shaped lead-in end 437 (Fig. 12) at the forward end of the arm 436 to ensure The actuation foot 270 is positioned above the arm 436 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the tray 400. Otherwise, if the toner cartridge 200 is inserted into the tray 400 with the latch actuator 252 depressed to the release position, the actuation foot 270 may tend to be completely seated in the tray 400 with the toner cartridge 200 The arm 436 of the latch 430 is previously struck.

16 to 20 are sequential views illustrating the insertion of the toner cartridge 200 into the tray 400 and the removal from the tray, according to one specific example. FIG. 16 shows a state when the toner cartridge 200 is first inserted into the corresponding tray 400. The rear end 210 of the toner cartridge 200 is inserted into the flared front end 408 of the tray 400 into the crucible storage region 402, while the positioning wings 228, 230 are positioned on the loading rails 418, 420. The user pushes the toner cartridge 200 toward the rear end 410 of the tray 400, in which case the positioning wings 228, 230 slide along the loading rails 418, 420. The outer side limiters 419b, 421b (FIG. 9) restrict the side travel of the toner cartridge 200 when the toner cartridge 200 advances toward the rear end 410. As the toner cartridge 200 advances, the positioning wings 228, 230 pass under the pinch point 422, which prevents the toner cartridge 200 from rotating vertically as it is inserted 200. 16 shows the front cam surface 434a of the wing member 228a immediately following the front end 408 of the tray 400 under the pinch point 422 of the loading rail 418 and proximate the fin 434 of the latch 430.

FIG. 17 shows the toner cartridge 200 as the toner cartridge 200 is further advanced toward the rear end 410 into the tray 400. As shown in Figure 17, when positioning the wings 228 (wing members 228a) Upon contact with the front cam surface 434a of the fin 434, the insertion force from the toner cartridge 200 overcomes the biasing force applied to the latch 430, thereby pivoting the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position (at Seen in Figure 17 as clockwise).

Figure 18 shows the toner cartridge 200 fully advanced and seated in the final operating position in the tray 400. When the toner 匣 200 approaches its final position, the visor 218 contacts the stop adjacent the inlet 埠 416, causing the visor 218 to slide from the closed position to the open position as the toner 匣 200 advances. Similarly, a portion of the elongated body 203 of the toner cartridge 200 contacts the visor 417, thereby causing the visor 417 to slide from the closed position to the open position. When the toner cartridge 200 reaches its final position, the fin 434 of the latch 430 reaches the latching latch 232, causing the latch 230 to return from the unlatched position to the latched position due to the bias applied by the spring 448. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the wing member 228a removes the fin 434, causing the latch 230 to pivot to the latched position about the pivot point P1 (counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 18) And the fins 434 are protruded into the slit 228c. When the latch 430 is returned to the latched position, it can be heard that the click noise is generated by the snap fit of the fin 434 into the slit 228c, thereby providing the user with feedback that the toner cartridge 200 is properly secured.

When the toner cartridge 200 reaches its final position, the drive element 216 is paired with the corresponding drive element 412 to receive rotational power, and the electrical contact 224 is paired with the corresponding electrical contact 414 to establish a relationship between the processing circuitry 201 and the controller 102. The communication link 162 is aligned and the exit port 214 is aligned with the inlet port 416 to permit toner to be transferred from the reservoir 202 of the toner cartridge 200 to the reservoir 302 of the imaging unit 300, 300'. With the toner cartridge 200 mounted and the latch 430 in the latched position, the rear latching surface 434b of the fin 434 prevents the front end surface 234 of the wing member 228a and the toner cartridge 200 from toward the front end 408 Advance, thereby locking the toner cartridge 200 into the operating position until the latch 430 is moved to the unlatched position. In one particular embodiment, the drive element 412 mates with the outer axial end of the drive element 216, and the axis of rotation of the drive element 412 substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of the drive element 216. For example, the drive element 412 can include a drive toward The moving element 216 is axially biased by an Oldham coupler or the like such that the drive element 412 applies an axial force in the forward direction toward the front end 408 along the longitudinal dimension 406, 205 to the toner. The back end 210 of the UI 200. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts 414 are also offset relative to the rear end 210 of the toner cartridge 200 along the longitudinal dimensions 406, 205 such that the electrical contacts 414 are along the longitudinal dimensions 406, 205 relative to the toner. The electrical contact 224 of the crucible 200 exerts a positive force. In one particular embodiment, the visor 417 is offset relative to the elongated body 203 in the advancement direction along the longitudinal dimensions 406,205. Further, when the visor 218 is slid from the closed position to the open position and the tension spring 222 is stretched, the force is applied to the toner 匣 200 in the advancement direction along the longitudinal dimensions 406, 205. The front end surface 234 of the latching latch 232 is pressed against the front end surface 234 of the latching latch 232 along the longitudinal dimension 406, 205 in the direction of advancement of the front end 408 of the tray 400 and the leading end 208 of the toner cartridge 200. The rear latching surface 434b of the object 434 is engaged, thereby controlling the front to rear position of the toner cartridge 200 in the tray 400.

19 shows the toner cartridge 200 when the release handle 262 is pressed and the latch actuator 252 is moved from the home position to the release position to release the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400. When the release handle 262 is pressed down by the user to overcome the bias applied by the biasing arm 274 to the latch actuator 252, the latch actuator 252 slides down between the end wall 206 and the end cap 212, Thereby the biasing arm 274 is deflected. Engagement between the guide slot 258 and the guide post 260 guides the movement of the latch actuator 252. When the latch actuator 252 is moved to the release position, the actuating foot 270 lowers the arm 436 of the latch 430 and pushes it downwardly, thereby overcoming the bias applied by the spring 448 to the latch 430 and causing the latch 430 Pivoting from the latched position to the unlatched position. When the latch 430 is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, the fin 434 removes the latching latch 232. When the fins 434 are removed from the latching latches 232, the toner cartridges 200 are no longer restricted by the latches 430 in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, when the latch 430 is moved to the unlatched position, the user can freely remove the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400 by pulling the toner cartridge 200 forward toward the user.

As shown in FIG. 20, the toner cartridge 200 is electrically connected, for example, by the driving member 412. With the force on point 414 and visor 218 offset in the direction of front end 208, when latch 430 is moved to the unlatched position and fin 434 is removed from latch tweezer 232, along the longitudinal dimension The force on the toner cartridge 200 of the 406, 205 in the forward direction causes the toner cartridge 200 to travel forward toward the front end 408 without requiring a force from the user other than the force for pressing the release handle 262. In this manner, the toner cartridge 200 moves forward and presents itself to the user for removal, thereby providing feedback to the user that the toner cartridge 200 is unlatched and ready to be removed. The toner cartridge 200 is partially advanced away from the tray 400 to assist the user in removal. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the color is applied by the drive element 216 to the drive element 412, applied to the electrical contact 224 by the electrical contacts 414, and applied to the elongated body 203 by the visor 417. The force on the rear end 210 of the cartridge 200 pushes the toner cartridge 200 toward the front end 408. Further, the spring force of the spring 222 urges the toner cartridge 200 toward the front end 408 and moves the shutter 218 from the open position to the closed position to prevent the toner from leaking from the outlet port 214 when the toner cartridge 200 is released. In one particular embodiment, when the handle 262 is depressed and the latch 430 is moved to the unlatched position, the toner cartridge 200 advances itself by about 20 mm to about 50 mm without additional user intervention.

Referring to Figures 10 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 212 includes a front side 278 that prevents the user from accessing the latch when the toner cartridge 200 is in its final seated position in the tray 400. 430 arm 436. In this particular embodiment, the release handle 262 extends through the slot 266 in the end cap 212 to present a unique point of engagement to the user, thereby providing an intuitive feature to the user for releasing toner from the tray 400. 200.

As discussed above, other configurations for actuating the latch 430 to release the release mechanism 250 of the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400 can be used as desired. For example, Figures 21 through 24 illustrate a release mechanism 1250 for use with toner cartridge 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of the release mechanism 1250. In this particular embodiment, for example, the end cap 212 includes an outer end cap 212a and an inner end cap 212b that are attached to one another by suitable fasteners (eg, screws, rivets, etc.) or by snap fit engagement. Release mechanism 1250 includes positioning on end wall 206 and inner end A latch actuator 1252 between the caps 212b. The latch actuator 1252 is loosely retained within the side edge 1254 on the rear side 1256 of the inner end cap 212b and the flange 1259 with the keyed rib 1259a on the rear side 1257 of the outer end cap 212a. The latch actuator 1252 includes one or more guide slots 1258 that receive corresponding guide posts 1260 on the rear side 1256 of the inner end cap 212b. Again, this configuration can be reversed as needed. As discussed above, the guide slot 1258 is elongate to permit the latch actuator 1252 to move relative to the end cap 212 (eg, up and down).

The release handle 1262 is pivotally assembled to the inner end cap 212b about the pivot axis P2. The release handle 1262 extends through the slot 1266 in the outer end cap 212a such that the handle 1262 is exposed on the front side 1268 of the outer end cap 212a to permit the user to engage the handle 1262. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1262 includes a pair of pivot holes 1263 that receive corresponding pivot posts 1264 on the front side 1268 of the outer end cap 212a. This configuration can be reversed as needed such that the handle 1262 includes a pivot post and the outer end cap 212a includes a pivot hole. Additionally, the release handle 1262 can be assembled to the inner end cap 212b instead of the outer end cap 212a as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1262 and the slot 1266 are generally horizontal and the handle 1262 pivots up and down; however, other orientations may be used as desired, such as vertically fitting the handle 1262 and side-to-side the handle 1262 Ground pivot. The handle 1262 includes a sector gear 1276 on the rear side 1278 of the handle 1262 that engages a corresponding gear tooth 1280 on the front side 1265 of the latch actuator 1252 (Figs. 23 and 24). Gear teeth 1280 extend through slots 1282 in inner end cap 212b to engage sector gear 1276 of handle 1262.

Referring to Fig. 22, the actuating leg 1270 is adjacent to the side of the elongated body 203 having the positioning wings 228 (close to the loading rail 418 and the latch 430 when the toner cartridge 200 is mounted in the tray 400) from the latch actuator The bottom portion of 1252 extends downward. The actuation foot 1270 includes a downwardly facing contact surface 1272 that extends rearwardly toward the end wall 207. The actuation foot 1270 is positioned to engage the arm 436 of the latch 430 from above to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position, thereby releasing the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400, as discussed above. The gap 1255 is formed on the side edge 1254 Between the flange 1259, the gap permits the actuation leg 1270 to extend beyond the side edge 1254 and the flange 1259 to contact the arm 436.

The latch actuator 1252 is movable between the home position shown in Figure 23 and the release position shown in Figure 24. As shown in FIG. 21, in one particular embodiment, as discussed above, the cantilevered biasing arm 1274 of the latch actuator 1252 biases the latch actuator 1252 toward the home position. The biasing arm 1274 can be resiliently deflected by the ribs 1253 on the inner end cap 212b. The biasing arm 1274 biases the latch actuator 1252 and the actuation leg 1270 upward relative to the end cap 212. Referring to Figures 23 and 24, when the user pulls the release handle 1262, the handle 1262 pivots counterclockwise as seen in Figures 23 and 24, and the sector gear 1276 of the handle 1262 and the gear teeth of the latch actuator 1252 Engagement between 1280 causes the latch actuator 1252 to translate downward relative to the end cap 212 and the elongated body 203 from the home position (Fig. 23) to the release position (Fig. 24). The actuation foot 1270 is lowered with the latch actuator 1252 to engage the arm 436 of the latch 430 to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position, as discussed above. When the user releases the handle 1262, the bias applied by the arm 1274 causes the latch actuator 1252 including the actuating leg 1270 to return up to the home position, and the sector gear 1276 of the handle 1262 and the latch actuator 1252 Engagement between the gear teeth 1280 causes the handle 1262 to pivot back downward (as viewed clockwise in Figures 23 and 24).

25 and 26 show another release mechanism 2250 for use with the toner cartridge 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. The release mechanism 2250 includes a latch actuator 2252 positioned between the end wall 206 and the inner end cap 212. The latch actuator 2252 is loosely held by the rib 2254 and the side edge 2270 on the rear side 2256 of the end cap 212. The latch actuator 2252 includes one or more guide slots 2258 that receive corresponding guide posts 2260 on the rear side 2256 of the end cap 212. A rotatable release dial 2262 is fitted to the front side 2264 of the end cap 212. The release dial 2262 includes a handle 2266 that the user can engage to rotate the dial 2262. Gear 2268 is rotatably coupled to release dial 2262 on rear side 2256 of end cap 212. The latch actuator 2252 includes a vertically positioned rack 2272 that is adjacent the side of the elongated body 203 having the positioning wings 228 (when the toner cartridge 200 The side of the gear 2268 approaching the loading rail 418 and the latch 430) when engaged in the tray 400 engages with the gear 2268.

The actuation foot 2274 extends downwardly from the bottom portion of the latch actuator 2252. The actuation foot 2274 includes a downwardly facing contact surface 2276 that extends rearwardly toward the end wall 207. The actuation foot 2274 is positioned from the arm 436 of the upper engagement latch 430 to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position to release the toner cartridge 200 from the tray 400 as discussed above. A gap 2278 is formed between the rib 2254 and the side edge 2270 that permits the actuation leg 2274 to extend beyond the rib 2254 to contact the arm 436.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch actuator 2252 can translate up and down as the dial 2262 and gear 2268 rotate. The latch actuator 2252 is biased upwardly, for example, by a tension spring 2280 (or compression spring) on the latch actuator 2252 or a torsion spring on the gear 2268. When the user rotates the dial 2262 using the handle 2266, the dial 2262 and the gear 2268 rotate (clockwise as viewed in Figure 26), and the engagement between the gear 2268 and the rack 2272 of the latch actuator 2252 causes The latch actuator 2252 translates downward relative to the end cap 212 and the elongated body 203. The actuation foot 2274 is lowered with the latch actuator 2252 to engage the arm 436 of the latch 430 as discussed above to move the latch 430 from the latched position to the unlatched position. When the user releases the handle 2266 of the dial 2262, the bias causes the latch actuator 2252 including the actuating leg 2274 to return upwardly, and the engagement between the rack 2272 and the gear 2268 causes the dial 2262 and the gear 2268 to Back pivoting (observed counterclockwise in Figure 26). In another embodiment, the latch actuator 2252 includes a circular gear that is rotatable in rotation with the dial 2262 and the gear 2268. In this particular embodiment, the actuating foot 2274 can extend radially inwardly from the latch actuator 2252 to engage the arm 436 of the latch 430 when the dial 2262 is rotated and upon the dial 2262 being applied to The bias of the latch actuator 2252 is released from the arm 436 of the latch 430 when released.

The foregoing description illustrates various aspects and examples of the invention. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it has been chosen to illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application in order to The skilled artisan can utilize the present disclosure to include various modifications of the nature of the invention. All modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims. A relatively obvious modification includes combining one or more features of various specific embodiments with those of other specific embodiments.

200‧‧‧ toner reel

205‧‧‧ vertical dimension

208‧‧‧ front end

212‧‧‧End cap

228a‧‧‧wing members

228b‧‧‧wing members

228c‧‧‧ incision

232‧‧‧Latch lock

234‧‧‧ front end surface

262‧‧‧ release handle

270‧‧‧ actuation feet

271‧‧‧ wedge-shaped lead-in

278‧‧‧The front of the end cap

400‧‧‧Tray

418‧‧‧ loading rail

422‧‧‧ pinning point

430‧‧‧Latch

432‧‧‧ channel

434‧‧‧Fin

434a‧‧‧Front cam surface/front surface

434b‧‧‧Latch surface

436‧‧‧ Arm

437‧‧‧ wedge-shaped lead-in

448‧‧‧Cantilever spring

450‧‧‧fasteners

Claims (15)

An alternative unit for an electronic camera imaging apparatus, comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the elongated body, the elongated body further comprising a first a side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the elongated body having a reservoir for holding toner; a drive element on the rear of the elongated body, the drive element remaining unobstructed The replacement unit receives rotational power when mounted in the electronic imaging imaging device; an electrical contact on the rear portion of the elongated body, the electrical contact is not blocked to be installed when the replaceable unit is mounted in the electronic imaging imaging device Contacting a corresponding electrical contact; the drive element and the electrical contact being positioned to receive a biasing force in a direction of advancement of one of the front portions of the elongated body along the longitudinal dimension; the first of the elongated body a latching latch on one side that is positioned to receive a corresponding latch when the replaceable unit is mounted in the electronic imaging imaging device to prevent the elongated body from following the longitudinal dimension Moving in the forward direction; one of the front portions of the elongated body latching an actuator movable relative to the elongate body between a home position and a release position; and the elongated body One of the front portions releases a handle that remains unobstructed for the user and is operatively coupled to the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator to move from the home position to the The position is released to unlock the elongated body from the electronic imaging imaging device. A replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the latch actuator is biased toward the home position. The replaceable unit of claim 1, further comprising: an outlet port on the bottom of the elongated body, the outlet port for transferring toner out of the reservoir; a visor that slidably moves along the longitudinal dimension between a closed position in which the outlet 堵塞 is closed and an open position in which the outlet 不 is not blocked, the visor being biased toward the closed position, the visor The plate moves toward the front portion of the elongated body as the visor moves toward the open position and moves toward the rear portion of the elongated body as the visor moves toward the closed position. The replaceable unit of claim 1, further comprising a first positioning wing on the first side of the elongated body along the longitudinal dimension and an edge on the second side of the elongated body A second positioning wing of the longitudinal dimension, wherein the latching latch is formed in one of the first positioning wings, the incision being positioned to receive a portion of the corresponding latch. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the elongated body includes a front end wall of the elongated body and an end cap mounted on the front end wall, wherein the latch actuator is positioned at the front end Between the wall and the end cap and the latch actuator is moveable relative to the front end wall and the end cap. A replaceable unit of claim 5, wherein the release handle is contactable via a slot in the end cap. The replaceable unit of claim 5, wherein the latch actuator includes a leg that rises when the latch actuator moves toward the home position and toward the release position, respectively And reducing to unravel the elongated body from the electronic imaging imaging device. A replaceable unit of claim 5, wherein the latch actuator includes biasing from the latch actuator to the home position to extend the one of the cantilevered bias arms. An alternative unit for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the elongated body, the elongated body further comprising a first side a second side, a top portion and a bottom portion, the elongated body having a reservoir for fixing toner, the front portion of the elongated body a front end wall of the elongated body and an end cap mounted to the front end of the front end wall; one of the first sides of the elongated body latches a latch, the latching latch being positioned to be mounted on the replaceable unit Receiving a corresponding latch in the electronic imaging imaging device to prevent the elongated body from moving in a direction of advancement toward the front portion along the longitudinal dimension; and a latch release mechanism comprising: a latch An actuator positioned between the front end wall and the end cap and having an actuating leg extending from the latch actuator, the latch actuator and the actuating leg being opposite the front end wall And the end cap is moved between a home position and a release position and biased toward the home position; and a release handle is usable from a front side of the end cap for user engagement and operatively coupled to Actuating the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator and the actuating leg to move from the home position to the release position to permit the actuating foot to contact the electronic imaging imaging device The corresponding latch, so that the electronic camera Image forming means disengage the elongated body. The replaceable unit of claim 9, further comprising: a driving element on the rear portion of the elongated body, the driving element remaining unobstructed to receive rotation when the replaceable unit is mounted in the electronic imaging imaging device And an electrical contact on the rear portion of the elongated body, the electrical contact remaining unobstructed to contact a corresponding electrical contact when the replaceable unit is mounted in the electronic imaging imaging device, wherein the driving component and the The electrical contact is positioned to receive the one forward biasing force along the longitudinal dimension. The replaceable unit of claim 10, further comprising: an outlet port on the bottom of the elongated body, the outlet port for transferring toner out of the reservoir; and a visor Blocking one of the outlet 闭合 closed position and not blocking one of the outlet 埠 a slidably movable relationship between the open positions along the longitudinal dimension, the visor being biased toward the closed position, the visor moving toward the front portion of the elongated body as it moves toward the open position and The visor moves toward the closed position and moves toward the rear of the elongated body. The replaceable unit of claim 9, further comprising a first positioning wing on the first side of the elongated body along the longitudinal dimension and an edge on the second side of the elongated body A second positioning wing of the longitudinal dimension, wherein the latching latch is formed in one of the first positioning wings that is positioned to receive a portion of the corresponding latch. The replaceable unit of claim 9, wherein the release handle is attached to the latch actuator and is accessible from the front side of the end cap via a slot in the end cap. The replaceable unit of claim 9, wherein the actuating leg is raised and lowered respectively as the latch actuator and the actuating leg move toward the home position and toward the release position. A replaceable unit of claim 9 wherein the latch actuator includes a cantilevered biasing arm that extends from the original position to bias the latch actuator.